Geology is the only department housed in Parkinson
Laboratory, a building in the heart of the SIUC campus. Parkinson Lab
is exceptionally well equipped to satisfy the instructional and
research needs of the faculty and students. A new computer lab was
recently established to enhance undergraduate teaching and
research.
Our geochemical labs are equipped to perform routine
analyses on the chemical composition of a host of materials,
including minerals, rocks, sediments, soils, groundwater, and surface
waters. X-ray diffractometers are used to identify minerals and to
determine their atomic structure.
The Environmental Geochemistry Laboratory is equipped
with a Hewlett Packard 5890A gas chromatograph coupled to an HP 5970B
mass selective detector. This GC/MS system is controlled by a
Windows-based PC running the 1997 revision of the HP Chemstation
software and MS library. There is a CDS 120 Pyroprobe with internal
thermocouple used for Py-GC/MS analysis of solid organic matter. The
lab also has an HP 5890A gas chromatograph with flame ionization and
flame photometric detectors. Sample preparation capabilities include
rock grinding, solvent extraction, liquid chromatography and acid
demineralization.
The Coal Characterization Lab is one of the nation's
leading coal research facilities. It is equipped with advanced
microscopic-petrographic apparatus.
A major hub of analytical activity for many research
projects in geology is our Scanning Electron Microscope-Automated
Image Analysis Laboratory. This laboratory holds a number of
sophisticated instruments which can function together to provide
detailed analyses of the composition and configuration of earth
materials.
Geophysical tools available to geology students at SIUC
include GPR, gravimeters, magnetometers, seismographs, and
resistivity meters for field studies and computer systems for
analysis of geophysical data. Parkinson Laboratory also houses a
geophysical observatory for recording and studying earthquakes, an
area of increasing scientific and public interest in the
mid-continent seismic zone.
Sedimentologic and geomorphologic facilities include a
40' x 8' recirculating flume, used for simulating rivers, and a
variety of survey and sampling gear for field study of surface
processes and sediments. Petrographic microscopes, stereomicroscopes,
settling tubes, sieves, and thin-section and rock preparation labs
are also available in Parkinson. We have one of the best-equipped
student optical microscopy laboratories in the Midwest.
Field equipment for studying groundwater includes two
trailer-mounted drill rigs and devices for measuring groundwater
levels and flow.
The geology department has a large collection of rocks,
minerals, and fossils. Many of these are on display on the main
floor, some in a special room containing a fluorescent mineral
exhibit. The department has a large collection of topographic maps
and regional professional publications. An undergraduate lounge is
reserved for reading and relaxation.
Comments and questions related to departmental information:
geology@geo.siu.edu
Comments and questions related to web server: webmaster@science.siu.edu